A Snapshot of Services We Assist
- Aluminium Products Manufacturing
- Cooking Machinery Manufacturing
- Carbon Product Manufacturing
- Door Manufacturing
- Paper Product Manufacturing
- Agriculture Equipment Manufacturing
- Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
- Fencing Product Manufacturing
- Metal Security Screen Doors And
- Gates Manufacturing
- 3D Printing Manufacturing
- Alcohol Beverage Manufacturing
- Appliance Manufacturing
- Metal Furniture Manufacturing
- Wooden Products Manufacturing
- Textile, Leather & Apparel Manufacturing
- Computer & Electronic Manufacturing
- Appliance Manufacturing
- Industrial Manufacturing
Key Manufacturing Exposures and Risks
Product Liability
This occupation grouping covers a diverse range of industries/products. Exposure will vary considerably with
- The product produced and the usage; and
- Whether there is a direct retail sale relationship, or whether the product is distributed through third parties or sold to other manufacturers for further work.
- Many products manufactured by businesses in this industry grouping are incorporated into other products or systems (e.g. metal buttons, couplings, pipe fittings, tube fittings etc) and therefore the product liability exposure will be contingent upon the product into which it is incorporated. Good quality control is essential. The degree of automation and the insured’s quality control system are important factors to consider. Although automation may reduce the incidence of employee errors, it may also allow defects in raw materials or construction to be overlooked.
The public liability exposure for manufacturers will normally be low to moderate, although on-premises showrooms or retail outlets will increase the exposure. Public liability risks at the premises include:
- Injury to customers and visitors through:
- Slips, trips and falls – the presence of spills of lubricants, chemicals, or other liquids and scrap metal, equipment, tools, and supplies in production areas are sources of hazards;
- Inadequate signage and fire protection;
- Collisions and impacts in the loading bay or warehouse (where applicable) e.g. with forklifts (for delivery personnel);
- Burns from machinery / injuries due to falls on or into hot or sharp objects or running machinery;
- Exposure to various chemicals;
- Third party property damage to adjacent properties from fire risk.
Work away from premises is limited to deliveries.
An important consideration for the liability underwriter/adviser is whether production areas are separated from administrative and sales offices, showrooms etc and whether facilities have adequate fire separation and soundproof walls to contain and control the production area noise level. If not, risk exposure is increased.
Visitors to the manufacturing sectors of the factory will be rare; tours are highly unlikely. There may, however, be buyers, delivery people and repair people on the premises. A specific waiting area should be provided for drivers and delivery people.
The customer entrance and parking lot should be at a safe distance from the plant’s receiving and loading areas.
The underwriter/adviser will also wish to investigate:
- Housekeeping – particularly waste and off-cut removal. Refer to general risk content on occupier’s liability issues relating to the cleaning and checking frequency.
- Fire hazard to adjoining premises; and
- The regularity with which air conditioning plant is serviced.
Product Liability
Since manufacturers are the main target of a product liability suit, the potential exposure for this occupation is moderate to high, depending on product. Exposure will
vary considerably depending on:
- Product produced and the usage; and
- Whether there is a direct retail sale relationship, or whether the product is distributed through third parties or sold to other manufacturers for further work.
Good quality control is essential since most products are made of metal, which gives the end product strength and durability, but which necessitates specialised procedures in production. Each item needs to be designed to exacting specifications to ensure proper function of the finished product. Techniques such as forging, stamping, bending, forming, and machining are used to create each piece. In some cases, individual components then need to be welded or assembled together in the final product. At each stage of production and assembly, extensive testing takes place to maintain quality control standards.
Major sources of loss for this occupation grouping include:
- Improper assembly;
- Insufficient testing and inspection;
- Failure of welded or otherwise fastened or fused sections to hold together;
- Sharp edges which can cause cuts when the item is handled;
- Failure to attach component parts properly.
The underwriter/adviser will be interested in:
- The length of time in business;
- The loss history;
- Major customers and products;
- The parties responsible for design;
- Suppliers;
- To what degree the operation is automated.
During the manufacturing phase most quality control procedures are carried out by sight. The majority of manufacturers implement inspections at critical points in the production process i.e. wherever there is a possibility of defects that could result in claims.
Quality control is not only the responsibility of dedicated quality control teams/staff but also the responsibility of all production workers. Workers need to monitor the entire production process, making sure that individual parts, as well as the finished product, meet the standards set by the company.
Why Hunter Broking Group?
Manufacturing Insurance Broker Brisbane:
Hunter Broking Group can assist with Manufacturing Insurance. Through industry specific insurers, your designated advisor has access to a comprehensive range of insurance products that can be tailored to suit most manufacturing, fabrication and installation companies. We can arrange insurance for various segments in the manufacturing industry, including:
- Importers & Exporters
- Distributors
- Wholesalers
- Steel Manufacturers
- Fabricated Steel Product Manufacturers
- Wooden Product Manufacturers
- Equipment Manufacturers
- Food & Beverage Manufacturers
- Industrial Manufacturers
Hunter Broking Group pride themselves on having a local presence with a national strength, our technical product experience allows us to manage and service Manufacturing insurance products such as:
- Fire & Perils
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Crime / Theft Insurance
- Marine Insurance (Goods in Transit)
- Equipment Breakdown & Machinery Breakdown Insurance
- Motor Fleet Insurance
- Public Liability Insurance
- Products Liability Insurance
- Product Recall Insurance / Contamination Insurance
- Professional Indemnity Insurance (design / specification)
- Management Liability Insurance
- Cyber Insurance
- Corporate Travel Insurance
- Trade Credit Insurance
Manufacturing Equipment Insurance is a core focus for our advisors, whether we are looking after small manufacturing equipment such as welders or large scale manufacturing equipment such as CNC machines or lathes, Hunter Broking Group have the experience to provide the appropriate advice for your size and risk exposures.
Our experienced brokers can help you get the most appropriate insurance cover by assessing your specific needs and recommending the best value insurance solution for your business, whilst still maintaining the highest standard of cover.
